Former Packers cornerback Jesse Whittenton, who was a defensive starter on Vince Lombardi’s first two NFL title teams in 1961 and ’62, died earlier this week. He was 78.

Inducted into the Packers Hall of Fame in 1976, Whittenton played seven seasons for the Packers (1958-64), joining the team as a free agent from the Los Angeles Rams, who drafted him in the fifth round in 1956. Whittenton led Green Bay with six interceptions in 1960 and then tied for the team lead with three other players with five in ’61. In all, he intercepted 20 passes for the Packers and recovered 10 fumbles.

According to the Packers Hall of Fame, one of Whittenton’s most memorable plays came in 1961 against the New York Giants when he stole the ball from running back Alex Webster to set up a Green Bay score. The Packers won that late-season game over the Giants, 20-17, at Milwaukee County Stadium and then pummeled the Giants in a rematch four weeks later for the NFL Championship, 37-0, at Green Bay’s City Stadium (later renamed Lambeau Field).

Whittenton appeared at Lambeau Field last season when the Packers played the Broncos on Oct. 2 and was introduced to the crowd (picture).